EASTHAMPTON – Long-time Health Inspector Dennis Lacourse is leaving the post mid-January and is being replaced by the current health agent of the Foothills Health District.

The Board of Health hired Jacqueline Duda of Northampton to replace Lacourse who is retiring after 12 years in the position.
LaCourse said at 65 it’s retirement time. “I think it’s time for a change for me. I have grandchildren and a house in Maine.” He runs a bed and breakfast in town, which he will continue to do, but hopes to travel as well.

He said he will miss the work. “It’s really been a pleasure.

“The majority of people were very committed to the community and wanted to see the community move forward in great ways.” His last day of work is Jan. 19.
Mayor Michael A. Tautznik said, LaCourse “served for a long time. He did a good job.”

And of Duda, “We’re happy to have an experienced person doing it.”

He said, “There were many good candidates.” He did not know the exact number. The Board of Health is responsible for interviewing and hiring the inspector, he said.

Duda, who has been working as a health inspector for about a decade, said the new job “gives me an opportunity to work with a larger community.”

She said she has enjoyed working in the Hilltown district, which consists of the towns of Goshen, Williamsburg and Whately, but when Ashfield dropped from the district about 18 months ago, “it left a financial gap.”

She said, “Small towns have financial limitations.”

Plus she said, “I have for some time been imagining myself working in a larger city where there are some interesting problems to solve.” She said, “I hope I can make a impact.”

Duda, who will earn $44, 445 a year, will begin working Jan. 17. “I’m looking forward to working with the community of Easthampton.”